Certificate Program FAQs
How much work is involved in the Certificate Program?
There are approximately 100 pages assigned each week for reading. Additionally, there is a weekly 20-30 min video, and participants are expected to post a follow-up question or insight on an online discussion board. Each section concludes with a final paper or project.
We estimate that 5-7 hours per week should be dedicated to the Certificate Program. Please note that this is an estimate, which is largely dependent upon one’s reading speed.
How much of the work will be synchronous, or on my own time?
The class will meet together at a predetermined time for one hour and 15 minutes. The remaining time for the program can be completed on the participants’ own schedule.
I am employed by a church. How will this program help me, and work with my schedule?
This program is designed for working professionals, with the hopes that the learnings gleaned here will impact one’s ministry. Ample time is set aside for the Christmas and Easter holidays. We also understand that the work of ministry can be an unexpected one; we allow students to miss four class sessions throughout the year without penalty.
What level of education do I need to have achieved prior to enrolling?
The ideal candidate should have earned a Bachelor’s degree in order to participate in our program. That said, we encourage all who are interested to apply, and we carefully consider applications in their entirety.
Is this program inherently Christian?
Yale Divinity School has Christian roots, and many of the contributors to the program come from Christian settings. That being said, this is an affirming space that welcomes all people, and we believe that the subject matter could cross-pollinate with other faith traditions. Please contact the Center for Continuing Education for more information.
Do I need to be currently serving in a ministry setting in order to apply?
Ministry experience is crucial for program participants, and the ideal candidate should be working in the ministry field in some capacity. If you are taking a break from ministry, we will still welcome your application, and we will review it on a case-by-case basis. A letter of recommendation from a recent supervisor will still be required.
How tech-savvy do I need to be to access the program materials?
A basic understanding of computer usage is required. Classes are on Zoom, and course materials and submissions use the Canvas interface. We offer an orientation at the start of the program for those unfamiliar with these tools, and help is readily available through Yale University’s Poorvu Center.
How inclusive is this program? What should I expect?
Yale Divinity School is committed to an atmosphere of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This program is no exception, and strives to offer diverse perspectives through its leadership and scholarship. Please see the Yale University Policy Statements here for details.
How will I be evaluated?
While there is robust conversation and feedback offered throughout the year, this is a unique program in which there are no grades offered. The phrase of “You get out what you put in” is most applicable here. If one does not attend classes or complete the assignments, they will be asked to leave the program.
What can I expect to take away from this program?
All continuing education programs can be a great gift: they offer professionals a chance to steep themselves in scholarship which ideally yields a deeper understanding of their craft. This program endeavors to offer that for those involved in youth ministry. An additional benefit to this program is its cohort model, wherein participants will convene with fellow learners for resource-sharing and community-building. Past participants frequently name that this gift has been one of the most surprising and rewarding aspects of the program for them.
Are scholarships available?
Because we endeavor to keep costs as reasonable as possible for our participants, we are typically unable to offer scholarships. If there is a truly exceptional circumstance, please reach out to our office.